Department for Work and Pensions

Low Incomes

Mrs Sharon Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether she has plans for a hardship fund to help people on the lowest incomes in the event that the UK leaves the EU without a deal.

Justin Tomlinson: The Government has been clear that leaving the EU with a deal is its preferred option. However, as a responsible government we continue to plan for a range of exit scenarios, including a no-deal. The welfare system provides a strong safety net. A system of hardship payments, benefit advances and budgeting loans will be available for those who need them.